They're a Weird Mob
by Nino Culotta
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Description
They're a Weird Mob is an hilarious snapshot of the immigrant experience in Menzies-era Australia, by a writer with a brilliant ear for the Australian way with words.Tags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Very entertaining, highly readable and extremely pleasant to read. I needed exactly this heading into a cold, dark winter - lots of laughs, a classic fish out of water story. Beautifully written and makes me want to visit Australia, or at least talk to Ross on the cricket team about his home country.
I enjoyed this light-hearted glimpse of the culture of working-class 1950's Australia. The characters are caricatures rather than stereotypes, especially the Italian narrator, so don't expect realism. Instead, prepare for something short, easy to read, and funny.
Surprisingly, there are a few moments of depth addressing racism and anti-immigrant bigotry interwoven with the book's humor, and they're appropriately tasteful.
Surprisingly, there are a few moments of depth addressing racism and anti-immigrant bigotry interwoven with the book's humor, and they're appropriately tasteful.
Totally enjoyed this Australian Classic! At times it was a little dated but it took nothing away from the sheer joy of the story. Nino isn’t perfect but he makes the perfect New Australian.
A classic Australian book about a newly arrived Italian migrant, particularly his 'battles' with language, culture and customs, and how he finds a great welcome to his new country. A humourous read.
Hilarious
review soon
Ratings
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Published Reviews
ThingScore 50
A neutral observer might find Nino's friends a pretty dreary bunch, talented mainly at drinking beer with their shoes off - but they're his friends after all.
added by Shortride
Lists
Australia's Greatest Books, as chosen by Geoffrey Dutton (1985)
97 works; 6 members
Author Information
27 Works 695 Members
Awards and Honors
Notable Lists
Australia's Greatest Books (1957)
Series
Belongs to Publisher Series
Work Relationships
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1957; 1958
- People/Characters
- Nino Culotta
- Related movies
- They're a Weird Mob (1966 | IMDb)
- Dedication
- This is a work of fiction, and is dedicated to all Australians who work with their hands, in gratitude for their very real contributions to my education. Anyone who thinks he recognises himself in these pages, probably does. ... (show all)N.C.
- First words
- Who the hell's Nino Culotta? That's what you asked yourself when you first picked up this book, wasn't it? My father had me baptised Giovanni - John - well Giovannino is like Johnny, and Nino is an easier way of saying it. Or... (show all) a lazier way, if you like.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Sometimes I think if I am ever fortunate enough to reach Heaven, I will know I am there when I hear Him say, 'Howyergoin'mate orright?'
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 241
- Popularity
- 135,446
- Reviews
- 6
- Rating
- (3.61)
- Languages
- Czech, English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 13
- ASINs
- 9
